Intercepting fuel distributor



March 5, 1957 L. LAHYNE 2,783,747

INTERCEPTING FUEL DISTRIBUTOR Filed April 4, 1955 2 Shee-'tS-Sheet 1 JIM o o I: i-x:LZZLIII::Irtzl::zii-:12:. f' 2o* QQfZLOZLOO Oo 2 3 2 3 2 3 26 /f/ 3.0 A 1 y 2 &fr\\ vl Mz." 25 46 \30/ /2 47 27 /3 62 48 L Eo A Y/vE IN1/EN TOR.

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March 5, 1957 LAYNE 2,783,747

INTERCEPTING FUEL DISTRIBUTOR Filed April 4, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 f2 OB Eo LAY/v5 Q INVENTOR.

2,783,747 INTERCEPTiNG FUEL DISTRIBUTOR Leo Layne, Pasadena, Calif. Application Alpin 4, 195s, serial No. 499,021

9 claims. (ci. 12s-31) The present invention -relates generally to a charge forming device and relates more specifically to an intercepting fuel ldistributor for delivering a measured quant-ity of fuel to the combustion chambers of an internal 4combustion engine.

Heretofore, devices used to deliver or inject measured quantities of fuel to the combustion chambers of internal combustion chambers have been relatively inefficient due to the requirement, in most such prior devices, r hat the fuel he under substantial pressure before being injected into the cylinders of internal combustion engines through nozzles 1or other similar arrangements.

When using nozzles, it is necessary that orifices therethrough be very particularly constructed and any undue erosion thereof renders such nozzles ineffective or considerably Iless efficient. Additionally, in pressurized fuel injection systems, considerable difficulty' is experienced in connection with, not only the pressurization of the fuel and dangers associated therewith, but also in connection with serious difficulties relative to vaporization of the fuel under pressure and associated vapor locking. In still other instances, especially in high speed engines, mechanically operating injection systems have failed to provide sufficient quantities of fuel over the Wide range of speeds encountered in such devices.

It is .accordingly one important object of the present invention to provide a novel intercepting fuel distributor for use with an internal combustion engine.

It is another important lobject of the present invention to provide a novel device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine wherein pressure and vacuum inherent in the operation of the internal combustion engine are used to effect measurement and delivery of the fue thereto.

It is still another important object of the present invention to provide an intercepting fuel Idistributor having a minimum of moving parts that Iare simple in construction, etlicient in operation and use,- land easy to manufacture.

It is a further important object of the present invention to provide a device for delivering a measured quanytity of fuel to the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine wherein novel means 'are provided to intercept the ow of fuel to the combustion chambers and thereafter to deliver fuel to the combustion -chainbers.

It is still further an important object o-f the present invention to provide a novel intercepting fuel distributor having pressure balance means enabling eicient and effective operation thereof.

Other and further important Iobject of the present invention will become apparent from the disclosures in -the following damned specincauon, appended ciaiiiis and the intercepting fuel distributor of the present invention United States Patent 2,783,747 Patented. Mart. 5,

mounted onv and associated with an internal combustion engine; l

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the present fuel distributor, as taken substantially as' indicated by line 2--2, Fig. 1;

Figs. 3 through 9 inclusive are diagrammatic views showing various positions of the prese-nt distributor, piston and valves during operation of the present device.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the intercepting fuel device of the present invention is shown as indicated generally at 10. The device 10 is shown as being mounted on one side of internal combustion engine 11. As wil-l be hereinafter more fully described, the 'device 1t) includes a rotary portion that is adapted positively to be driven by means lof a shaft 12 as by a sprocket 13 andchain 14, for example. The chain 14 extends to one end of the usual engine crank shaft 15 land a sprocket 16 mounted thereon, with the sprocket 16 having second `sprocket 18 which serves to drive a cam shaft 17 through a sprocket 19 and usual chain 20. The engine 11 is also provi-ded with the usual exhaust manifold 21 and intake manifold arrangement 22. The particular engine 11 is shown .as including a plurality of cylinders 23, with suitable intake valves 24 and exhaust valves 25. In this connection, it -is to be understood that the present invention may be used with any type of internal combustion engine having any number of cylinders or any specific type of valve arrangement. Additionally, it is to be understood that the engine construction may be either of the L, H, V, I or other hlock types without departing from the spirit land scope of the present invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the specific method shown for driving the shaft 12 is merely by way yof example and that the: shaft may be driven as by direct gear connection with the crank or cam shafts.

W'hile the present invention includes fuel distributor means for each of the various cylinders, the description hereinafter will be directed to a single cylinder for descriptive purposes, it being understood that the rotary unit or member of lthe device 10 may have a plurality of like devices that are all suitably timed to correspond to a typical tiring order of various cylinders of the internal combustion engine.

As shown in Figs. l and 2, fuel is adapted for delivery from a suitable tank 26 through a fuel line 27 and a manifold 28 to the device 16, with there being a plurality of passages 30 leading from the device 10 to the various cylinders 23 `of the engine 11. While passages 30 are shown Ias being formed in the block of engine 11, it is to be understood that these passages may extend through exterior conduits or the like, as may be desired in particular installational situations. Iln this connection, -it is to be understood further that the passages 30 or the exterior conduitsmay be provided with suitable valving for controlling ow therethrough. As shown in Fig. 2, this valvi-ng may take the form of slide valves 29 for each of the passages 3G and that are spring biased, slidable in the block 11 and operable in timed sequence by a usual rocker arm mechanism 29a or'the like. The slide valve openings are adapted to mate with the passages 3i) when fuel is passed toward the engine combustion chambers.

With reference to Fig. 2, the device 1t) of the present invention includes a body portion 31 having` a bore of 32 therein. A rotary valve member 33, that is operably connected to the shaft 12, is positioned for rotation in the bore 32 and is adapted for rotation in the direction of the arrow 34 and at a speed substantially one-half .that of the crank shaft 15 to the extent that the valve memb er 33 will makerone rotation-forevery two rotationsof the crank shaft. The valve member 33 is a peripheral slot 35 therein, it being understood that there is a like slot for each of the various cylinders of the engine, even though the present device will be .described in connection with but a single cylinder.

The block body 31 is also provided with a series of intereepting chambers or pockets 36, one for each cylinder, with one side portion 37 thereof communicating with the bore 32 and peripheral portion of the valve 33. The intercepting chamber 36 has a passage 3S leading therefrom which communicates with the passage 39 leading to the cylinder 23. The block body 31 is also provided with a pressure chamber 4t! that has a short passage 41 which communicates with the bore 32 and the peripheral portion of the valve 33. Passage 41 is spaced from and positioned adjacent to the portion 37 of the intercepting chamber 36, for a purpose to be hereinafter more fully described.

A valve member 42 is positioned in a bore 43 in a block body 31, the bore 43 being peripherally disposed relative to the bore 32. The valve member 42 has a passage 44 therethrough which is adapted for communication with a passage 45 extending to the fuel manifold 28. One end of the valve member 42 is fitted with an outwardly extending shaft 46, Fig. l, that is, in turn, provided with a crank 47 to which an arm 48 is attached. The arm 48 is connected to a diaphragm operated pneumatic actuator 59, with the actuator 50 being connected, by means of conduit 51, to the intake manifold 22. It may thus be seen that the valve 42 will be positioned inthe bore 43 in response to vacuum created in the intake manifold 22, whereby to control the `iiow of fuel and the amount thereof passing through the passage of 44 in the valve 42.

The block body 31 is still further provided with a closed pressure release chamber 52 that has a passage 53 communicating with the bore 32 and peripheral portion of the valve 33.

As shown in Fig. 2, and for a purpose lto be hereinafter more fully described, as the piston P of the internal combustion engine travels upwardly in the cylinder during a compression stroke, the chamber 40 will be pressurized. Without further discussion relative to this pressurization at the present time, for an understanding of the operation of the present device, let it now be assumed that the chamber 4G is pressurized. With reference to Fig. 3, as communication is established by means of the slot 35 between the pressure release chamber 52 and the passageway 3S, any pressure existing in the chamber 52 will be vented to the combustion chamber 55 of the engine. As the piston P commences an intake stroke, fuel will be permitted to dow through the valve 42 into the slot 35 and into the intercepting chamber 36. It is to be noted that the chamber 36 is of such a depth as to be considerably larger than necessary with the fuel delivered thereto seeking its own level well below the overflow position into the passages 30. As the valve member 33 continues to rotate, the chamber 52 will be cut olf and fuel will have arisen to a level indicated at 56. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, as the piston travels through its intake stroke, the intake valve 24 is timed to open, to admit air to the combustion chamber 55. As shown in Fig. 5, as the piston P nears the end of the intake stroke, and prior to establishment of pressure in the combustion chamber 55, the valve member 33 will be positioned as shown in Fig. 5, with thc passage from the valve 42 being terminated, and the slot 35 providing communication between the pressure chamber 49 and the fuel intercepting chamber 36. At this time, the pressure in the pressure chamber 40 will be bled outwardly to the region of lower pressure now established in the combustion chamber 55, and at the same time will serve to scavenge and vaporize the fuel residing in the intercepting chamber 36 and deliver -such fuel to the combustion chamber 55 of the engine.

As shown in Fig. 6, as the piston moves the top of its compression stroke, chamber 40 is again repressurized,

preparatory to the next expulsion of air therefrom upon movement of the piston to a point near the end of the next intake stroke. The small amount of air-fuel mixture that is transmitted to the pressure chamber 40 is quite minute and of little consequence as far as the proper charge in the combustion chamber is concerned. As shown in Fig. 7, during the pressurization of the chamber 40, and following termination of communication between the slot 35 and intercepting chamber 36, the air-fuel mixture under pressure is also trapped in the slot 35, with this pressure being vented, as shown in Fig. 8, to a region of lower pressure, the pressure release chamber 52, as the valve member 33 is rotated to this position. In this connection, it is to be remembered that the chamber 52 had previously been evacuated during the initial portion .of the intake stroke of the piston, as shown in Fig. 3. As

further shown in Fig. 8, the piston has, at this time, moved to a position nearing the end of the power stroke. With reference again to Fig. 7, immediately following passage of one end of the slot 35 past the intercepting chamber 36, the piston P will commence the power stroke, at which time suitable ignition means, in the form of a spark plug 57, will be fired. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the piston then continues through the power stroke to the exhaust stroke, with the exhaust valve 25 being opened during the exhaust stroke and closed just prior to commencement of the next intake stroke, as shown in Fig. 3.

The cycle is thereafter repeated, with the intercepting chamber 36 being initially at least partially filled with the proper quantity of fuel, as determined by the requirements of the engine, and in response to the vacuum created in the intake manifold. Thereafter, the pressure chamber 40 serves to scavenge the fuel from the intercepting chamber 36, is again repressurized, the pressure in the slot 35 is bled to the pressure release chamber 52, and the cycle is completed.

It is to be understood that the pressure chamber 40 may be a common chamber communicating between various slots 35 provided for each of the cylinders of the engine, or may be individual to each of the cylinders. This also applies to the pressure release chamber 52. It may thus be seen that measured quantities of fuel are delivered to the combustion chambers of the engine in accordance with the engine requirements, and without the necessity for initial pressurization of the fuel, and that ecient and effective operation of the present device is .accomplished through this medium.

With reference to Fig. 2, means are provided to prevent ow of fuel through the valve 42 until the pressure chamber 40 has been pressurized. Such an arrangement is desirable when starting the engine after it has remained quiet for a period of time and when no pressure would exist in the chamber 40 to scavenge fuel from the intercepting chamber 36. With this means absent, considerable fuel would be drawn either into the pressure chamber 40 or into the cylinders which would cause flooding of the engine in case the fuel supply tank is elevated to a position to cause gravity flow of fuel to the unit when engine is idle. As shown, this means includes a passage 60 leading from the pressure chamber 40 and which connects to a conduit 61. The conduit 61 extends to an actuator 62 arranged near the manifold 28, and adapted to control ow of fuel through the conduit 27 by means of a valve 63. The valve 63 is connected to a diaphragm 64 in the actuator 62 and is spring loaded toward a closed position by means of a spring 65. It may thus be seen that the valve 63 will remain closed until pressure is established in the chamber 40 whereby to cause movement of the diaphragm 64.

Having thus described the invention and the present embodiment thereof, it is desired to emphasize the fact that many modications may be resorted to in a manner limited only by a just interpretation of the following claims:

I claim:

1. In a device for delivering a measured quantity of snaai-i7 fuel to combustion chambers of any internal combustion engine` havingatleast one cylinder and airintake' and eihaust valves associated with; said at least gone cylinder: a valve member; a body for supporting said Valve member; driving means y connected with said valve Y member for effecting movement of said valve member; fuel intercepting chamber means; passage means communicating between said intercepting chamber means" and said cylinder; fuel deliveryvalve means; a pressure chamber, said intercepting chamber means, fuel delivery valve means and said pressure chamber being positioned along said valve member; a discharge port from said fuel delivery valve means; a discharge port from said pressure chamber; an'd an entrance port to said intercepting chamber means, all of said ports -operatively cooperating and positioned in communication with said valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, firs-t topressurize said pressure chamber, upon an intakestroke of said engine, second to permit flow of fuel from said discharge port of said fuel delivery valve means into said fuel intercepting chamber and, upon nearing the end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber `means to scavenge fuel therefrom and force said fuel into said combustion chamber. s

, 2. In a device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and air intake and exhaust valves associated with said at least one cylinder: a valve member; a body for supporting said valve member; driving means connected with said valve member for effecting movement of said valve member; fuel intercepting chamber means in said body; passage meanscommunicating between -said intercepting chamber means and said cylinder; fuel delivery valve means positioned adjacent said valve member; vacuum means connected with said -fueldelivery valve means and responsive to fuel requirements of the engine for controlling opening and closing of said fuel delivery valve means; a pressure chamber adjacent said valve means; a discharge port from said fuel delivery valve means; a discharge port from said pressure chamber; and an entrance port to said intercepting chamber means, all of said ports operatively cooperating and positioned in communication with said valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, first to pressurize said pressure chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to permit ow of fuel from said discharge port of said fuel delivery valve means into said fuel intercepting chamber and, upon nearing the end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and force said fuel into said combustion chamber.

3. In a device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder and air intake and exhaust valves associated with said at least one cylinder: a valve member; a body for supporting said valve member; driving means connected with said valve member for effecting movement of said valve member; fuel intercepting chamber means in said body; passage means communicating between said intercepting chamber means and said cylinder; fuel delivery valve means; a pressure chamber, said intercepting chamber means, fuel valve means and said pressure chamber being positioned adjacent to and along said valve member; a discharge port from said fuel delivery valve means; a discharge port from said pressure chamber; an entrance port to said intercepting chamber means, all of said ports operatively cooperating and positioned in communication with said valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, first to pressurize said pressure chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to permit y flow Yof fuel from said discharge port of said fuel delivery valve means into said fuel intercepting chamber and,

iiif nearing tli'e eiidiof said intake'y stkelthird te peiinit discharge of pressure in said lpressure chamber through saidint'e'rcepting chairiber nieahs to scave'rigef fuel therefrom and force saidffuell irito'f said combustion chamber; and meansv for relieying"v any residual pressiire retained in -sa'i'd valve member prior vtoy establishment of `cornmnic'a't'ioif betweensaid valve rn"'efr'ibe`r and said discharge p'or't from' said fuel delivery valve means. n

2l'. In a device for delivering `ameasured quantityof fuel to,cinbust'icnl chambers of ari internal combustion engine having at least one cylindef and air intake andl eX- ba'ust vaives associated' with said at` least one cylinder: a valve member; a body fdr supporting said valve member; driving means connected' with said valve member for effecting movement of said valveV member; fuel intercep'ting chamber means in saidbndy; passage meanscommunicating between said intercepting chamberl means and said cylinder; fuel deliveryv valve means; vacuum means Connectedwith said fuel delivery valve means and responsive to fuel` requirerneufsA of the engine for controlling opening and clc'siii'g of said fuel delivery valve means; a'v pressureV chambensaid intercepting chamber nieansLfuelA valve means and said pressure chamber being positioned adjacent to and about a periphery of said valve member; a discharge port from said fuel delivery valve means; a discharge port from said pressure chamber; an entrance port to said intercepting chamber means, all .offsaid ports operatively cooperating and positioned in'` communication with said valve member whereby, upon nearing 4an erd )of a compression stroke of said engine; first to pressurize said pressure chamber, upon an intake strkejof saidl engine, second to permit new of fuel fiera siddisch'arge" fiori or said fut-J1 delivery valve: meansinto said fuel iny rcepting chamber and, upon nearing the end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said' pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and lforce said fuel int'osaid` combustion chamber; means for relieving any residual pressure retained in said valve member prior to establishment of communication between said valve member and said `discharge port from said fuel ldelivery valve means;,a`nd means responsive to the exis-tence of pressure in said pressure chamber for controlling fuel ow to said fuel delivery valve means.

5. A device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambersof al four cycle internal combustion engine having a pluralityrof cylinders and air intake and exhaust vvalves associated with said cylinders comprising, in combination: a valve body; a rotary valve member journalledin said valve body; means for rotating said valve member at. a synchronous speed relative to speed of said engine; peripheral passage means formed 1n s aid valve member; a fuelmetering valve; a discharge port from said metering valve andadapted for selective communication with said peripheral passage means; fuel intercepting chamber means; passage means providing selective communication between said peripheral passage means and said intercepting chamber means and between said intercepting chamber means and combustion chambers of said cylinders; a pressure chamber; and a port providing selective communicationbetween said pressure chamber and said peripheral passage means, said ports and said passage means being disposedl in said valve body at spaced intervals about said rotary valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, rst to provide connection between ysaid cylinder and said pressure chamber to pressurie said chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to draw .a quantity of fuel from said discharge port of said metering valve into said fuel intercepting chamber Vmeans and, upon nearing the end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through saidint'ercepting chamber means to scavenge fuelv therefrom and force Asaid fuel into said combustion chambers. Y Y

6. A device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of a four cycle internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and air intake and exhaust valves associated with said cylinders comprising, in combination: a valve body; a rotary valve member journalled in said valve body; means for rotating said valve member at a positive synchronous speed relative to speed of said engine; peripheral passage means formed in said valve member; a fuel metering valve; means responsive to engine load conditions for controlling quantity of fuel delivered through said metering valve; a discharge port from said metering valve and adapted for selective communication with said peripheral passage means; fuel intercepting chamber means; passage means providing selective communication between said peripheral passage means and said interceptingchamber means and between said intercepting chamber means and combustion chambers of said cylinders; a pressure charnber; and a port providing selective communication between said pressure chamber and said peripheral passage means, said ports and said passage means being disposed in said valve body at spaced intervals about said rotary valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, iirst to provide connection between said cylinder and said pressure chamber to pressurize said chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to draw a quantity of fuel from said discharge port of said metering valve into said fuel intercepting chamber means and, upon nearing an end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure: in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and force said fuel into said combustion chambers.

7. A device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of a four cycle internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and air intake and exhaust valves associated with said cylinders comprising, in combination: a valve body; a rotary valve member journalled in said valve body; means for rotating said valve members at a positive synchronous speed relative to speed of said engine; peripheral passage means formed in said valve member; a fuel metering valve; a discharge port from said metering valve and adapted for selective communication with said peripheral passage means; fuel intercepting chamber means; passage means providing selective communication between said peripheral passage means and said intercepting chamber means and between said intercepting chamber means and combustion chamber means and combustion chambers of said cylinders; a pressure chamber; a port providing selective communication between said pressure chamber and said peripheral passage means, said ports and said passage means being disposed in said valve body at spaced intervals about said rotary valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, first to provide connection between said cylinder and said pressure chamber to pressurize said chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to draw a quantity of fuel from said discharge port of said metering valve into said fuel intercepting chamber means and, upon nearing an end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and force said fuel into said combustion chambers; and chamber means in said valve body for receiving and relieving residual pressure retained in said valve member peripheral passage means prior to establishment of communication between said peripheral passage means and said discharge port from said metering valve.

8. A device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of a four cycle internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and air intake and exhaust valve associated with said cylinders comprising, in combination: a valve body; a rotary valve member journalled in said valve body; means for rotating said valve member at a positive synchronous speed relative to speed of said engine; peripheral passage means formed in said valve member; a fuel metering valve; means re- ,intervals about said rotary valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, lirst to provide connection between said cylinder and said pressure chamber to pressurize said chamber, upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to draw a quantity of fuel from said discharge port of said metering valve into said fuel intercepting chamber means and, upon nearing an end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and force said fuel into said combustion chambers; chamber means in said Valve body for receiving and relieving residual pressure retained in said valve member peripheral passage means prior to establishment of communication between said peripheral passage means and said discharge port from said metering valve; and valve means responsive to the existence of pressure in said pressure chamber for controlling fuel flow to said fuel metering valve.

9. A device for delivering a measured quantity of fuel to combustion chambers of a four cycle internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and air intake and exhaust valves associated with said cylinders comprising, in combination: a valve body; a rotary valve member journalled in said valve body; driving means for rotating said valve member at a positive synchronous speed relative to speedof said engine; peripheral elongated passage means formed in said valve member; a

fuel metering valve; vacuum operated means responsive to engine load conditions for controlling quantity of fuel delivered through said metering valve; a discharge port from said metering valve and adapted for selective communication with said peripheral passage means; fuel 1ntercepting chamber means for each of said cylinders;

-passage means providing selective communication between said peripheral passage means and said intercepting 'chamber means and uninterrupted communication between said intercepting chamber means and combustion chambers of said cylinders; a common pressure chamber;

av port providing selective communication between said pressure chamber and said peripheral passage means, said f ports and said passage means being disposed in said valve body at spaced intervals about said rotary valve member whereby, upon nearing an end of a compression stroke of said engine, first to provide connection between said cylinder and said pressure chamber to pressurize said chamber,

upon an intake stroke of said engine, second to draw a quantity of fuel from said Vdischarge port of said metering valve into said fuel intercepting chamber means and, upon nearing an end of said intake stroke, third to permit discharge of pressure in said pressure chamber through said intercepting chamber means to scavenge fuel therefrom and forcesaid fuel into said combustion chambers; closed chamber means in said valve body for receiving and relieving residual pressure retained in said valve member peripheral passage means prior to establishment of communication between said peripheral passage means and said discharge port from said metering valve; means for releasing pressure in said chamber means; and diaphragm operated valve means responsive to existence of pressure in said pressure chamber forgeontrolling fuel ow to said 1,437,396 fuel metering valve. 1,609,386

References Cited in 111e le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 1,247,904 Thorp Nov. 27, 1917 349,620

10 Brush Dec. 5, 1922 Streeter Dec. 7, 1926 FOREIGN PATENTS Germ-any Mar. 4, 1922 

